Please join us for the IC2 opening reception!

When: Wednesday, March 30

Time: 3:30 p.m.

Where: The new Information Commons 2 (IC2), located on the second floor of the west tower of the Main Library.

Light refreshments will be served.





Indiana University Extends Its Popular Information Commons

Reception to mark opening of IC2

 

Building on the overwhelming popularity of the innovative Information Commons (IC), an integrated technology and information space the size of nearly six NCAA basketball courts in IUB’s Main Library, Indiana University announces the completion of the Information Commons 2 (IC2). IC2 supplements the dynamic, group-study oriented Information Commons with vital individual work and quiet study space.

 

Located on the second floor of the Main Library's west tower, IC2 overlooks IU’s beautiful campus arboretum. Occupying 9,600 square-feet, it features 68 computer workstations, seating and electrical power for more than 100 laptop users, a core book collection, and reference assistance and technology consultation during all open hours.

 

The formal opening of the IC2 will be marked by a reception hosted by IUB Libraries and University Information Technology Services (UITS), March 30, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the IC2. The event is open to the public.

 

Popular since becoming available for student use in late February, the IC2 has featured 2,560 computer logins, averaging 320 a day with a peak of 521 in its first eight days. Together with the IC, the space is the largest integrated technology environment in any library in Indiana and one of the largest in the nation. Both spaces were developed and are operated as a partnership of UITS and the IUB Libraries.

 

"Today's great universities provide access to information that will expand teaching and research. UITS and Library staff worked together to design the original Information Commons and now the IC2. The goal continues to be to provide students with the services, tools, and the support they need to succeed academically and to prepare them for careers after graduation," said Michael McRobbie, Vice President for Research and Information Technology at Indiana University. "The Information Commons has been a tremendous success with nearly 82 percent of all undergraduates using the space. We are very pleased to extend further space and service to the students with the IC2."

 

"Our goal, always, is to respond to student needs," says Suzanne Thorin, Ruth Lilly University Dean of University Libraries and Associate Vice President for Digital Library Development.  "The success of the first Information Commons guided this second phase.  Students told us they wanted the many popular features available downstairs, but in a quiet environment.  We now offer something for everybody."

 

Creation of the IC and IC2 is part of a plan for the renovation of the library to address needs of today's academic community.  Planning is well underway for a faculty-centered Research Commons, designed to become a destination for research support of the Bloomington campus. Both spaces were developed and are operated as a partnership of University Information Technology Services and the IUB Libraries.